Two days ago we left Chandigarh on the evening train, a train packed with shoppers and businessmen. It was first class, clean, comfortable with an array of drinks, snacks & a meal provided. It was also a cellphone symphony concert. India is connected by mobile; everyone has a phone which is used constantly. The closer we got to Delhi the more the mobiles rang. One obnoxious gentleman seated directly behind me carried on a 3 hour conversation in a loud voice using a mix of English and Hindii. We now know his financial status, his health status and that he is not a person who scams or cheats anyone. We have decided the entire population is out to make a buck. Rupee, being the good Indian he is, has decided to join the ranks. He has asked me to inform all of you following the blog that he will take up a collection to cover my computer time fees. I'll bring home a bunch of 1 rupee coins to distribute. These may be used to contribute to Rupee's collection drive :)
We were happy to get back to Delhi. It is a vibrant, exciting city that provides something interesting and/or entertaining every moment of the day and night. Yesterday was the beginning of the celebration of Guru Nanak's birthday. Traffic around the Gudwara's [temples] is absolutely crazy. On our first day in Delhi we met a couple of 3 wheeler drivers who want to always take us somewhere. They were thrilled that we were back and graciously [for a fee, of course] took us to the bank, to a shop where they get a kickback, to the Janpath shopping area, to Pizza Hut [where we had the best pizzas ever], back to the hotel and even offered to take us to a bootlegger. That was because all the liquour stores in Delhi are closed for G.N.'s birthday. Damon was not happy about it being a dry day. We declined the bootlegger and went to the hotel bar for happy hour instead. Yesterday we also found the elusive Emporium which we kept hearing about every time we were in Delhi. It is a government sanctioned cottage craft shop that is spread out over 6 floors. What an amazing selection - wish we'd found it sooner. Naturally we shopped but had to restrain ourselves as all suitcases including the extra ones we bought here are full. For 3 hours in the afternoon we had the use of a taxi. We had complained to the hotel travel services about our directionally challenged, very bad driver we had hired for our Jalandhar trip. To appease angry guests the travel director provided us with a taxi for 3 hours yesterday and another 3 hours today. We used the services to take us to a residential part of the city to visit Rupee's cousin, Surindher. An interesting story Rupee's family will be wanting to hear when we get back. Dinner last night was on the recommendation of Mamohan, our 3 wheeler buddy. Castle 9 provided the best Indian food we have had during the entire trip. We walked into the building to the sounds of Kenny Rogers, The Gambler. The music all evening was great - Bryan Adams, Bee Gees etc. Lots of old tunes that we all enjoyed.
So this morning we had our last breakfast in Delhi at the Connaught. We are hoping to find Delhi's Hard Rock Cafe for lunch this afternoon and take in a few more sights. It is going to be a long day as our flight does not leave until 23:15. Then it is a 30 hour journey back to Victoria. We hope to catch the 3:00 ferry on Saturday, with luck maybe the 1:00. I hope you have all enjoyed following the blog. It has been fun for me to share our adventures with you. I'll be on a mission today to get more 1 rupee coins for that collection. Our trip has been memorable. Words cannot describe the impact it has had on all of us. Take care and we'll see you soon.
We were happy to get back to Delhi. It is a vibrant, exciting city that provides something interesting and/or entertaining every moment of the day and night. Yesterday was the beginning of the celebration of Guru Nanak's birthday. Traffic around the Gudwara's [temples] is absolutely crazy. On our first day in Delhi we met a couple of 3 wheeler drivers who want to always take us somewhere. They were thrilled that we were back and graciously [for a fee, of course] took us to the bank, to a shop where they get a kickback, to the Janpath shopping area, to Pizza Hut [where we had the best pizzas ever], back to the hotel and even offered to take us to a bootlegger. That was because all the liquour stores in Delhi are closed for G.N.'s birthday. Damon was not happy about it being a dry day. We declined the bootlegger and went to the hotel bar for happy hour instead. Yesterday we also found the elusive Emporium which we kept hearing about every time we were in Delhi. It is a government sanctioned cottage craft shop that is spread out over 6 floors. What an amazing selection - wish we'd found it sooner. Naturally we shopped but had to restrain ourselves as all suitcases including the extra ones we bought here are full. For 3 hours in the afternoon we had the use of a taxi. We had complained to the hotel travel services about our directionally challenged, very bad driver we had hired for our Jalandhar trip. To appease angry guests the travel director provided us with a taxi for 3 hours yesterday and another 3 hours today. We used the services to take us to a residential part of the city to visit Rupee's cousin, Surindher. An interesting story Rupee's family will be wanting to hear when we get back. Dinner last night was on the recommendation of Mamohan, our 3 wheeler buddy. Castle 9 provided the best Indian food we have had during the entire trip. We walked into the building to the sounds of Kenny Rogers, The Gambler. The music all evening was great - Bryan Adams, Bee Gees etc. Lots of old tunes that we all enjoyed.
So this morning we had our last breakfast in Delhi at the Connaught. We are hoping to find Delhi's Hard Rock Cafe for lunch this afternoon and take in a few more sights. It is going to be a long day as our flight does not leave until 23:15. Then it is a 30 hour journey back to Victoria. We hope to catch the 3:00 ferry on Saturday, with luck maybe the 1:00. I hope you have all enjoyed following the blog. It has been fun for me to share our adventures with you. I'll be on a mission today to get more 1 rupee coins for that collection. Our trip has been memorable. Words cannot describe the impact it has had on all of us. Take care and we'll see you soon.
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Online Bus Ticket Booking. Jalandhar is a city in jalandhar district of punjab. In hindu mythology, jalandhara was the eponymous kingdom of a devil in satyuga. It was also known as prasthala at the time of mahabharta and it was also known as jullundur in british times.
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